Clipper with cylindrical anvil and method of replacing the anvil surface



CLIPPER WITH CYLiNDRICAL ANVIL AND METHOD OF REPLACING THE ANVIL SURFACE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 3, 1968 J A. NELL. 3,413,879

Filed May 23, 1966 do mes H.Ne11 INVENTOP United States Patent 3,413,879 CLIPPER WITH CYLINDRICAL ANVIL AND METHOD OF REPLACING THE ANVIL SURFACE James A. Nell, 2549 31st St., Springfield, Oreg. 97477 Filed May 23, 1966, Ser. No. 552,302 8 Claims. (Cl. 83-13) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A clipper with an elongated anvil of substantially cylindrical shape which is clamped in operative position between opposed anvil clamps with a portion of the anvil exposed between the clamps. In changing the anvil surface, the anvil may be moved endwise with respect to the anvil clamps or rotated between the anvil clamps to expose a new surface between such clamps.

This invention relates to clippers generally, of the type that are used to cut a web of material into shorter pieces, and more particularly concerns a clipper of this description including a knife, and an anvil assembly which the knife moves against in producing a cut.

Clippers including a knife and an anvil assembly are widely used in the production of cut veneer for the purpose of cutting a continuous sheet of veneer as the same is peeled from a log into pieces relatively free of imperfect portions and of a size suitable for use in laying up panels. Such clippers are relatively fast acting as the knife moves only a short distance in moving toward and then away from the anvil assembly in producing a cut, and this fast response, of course, is desirable in reducing waste and producing a fast operation. Accordingly, the invention is described in connection with a clipper such as might be employed in clipping veneer, but in describing the clipper in this specific organization it is not intended to limit the invention so as to exclude other end uses to which the clipper organization is adaptable.

In a clipper including a knife and anvil, the anvil supports the work while the knife moves into and out of the opposite face while producing a cut. It has been proposed in the past to provide an anvil of elastomeric material, such as rubber, as this enables the knife edge to move into close contact with the anvil surface without excessive dulling of the knife. Further, resiliency in the anvil promotes cutting, through the anvil rebounding toward the knife after initially being compressed by the advancing knife. A disadvantage of known constructions is that after a series of cutting passes the rubber anvil surface becomes worn, with imperfect cuts resulting. Thus, it has been necessary periodically to replace the anvil, which is time consuming, and expensive where the anvil must be specially manufactured.

A general object of this invention is to provide a novel method of maintaining an anvil surface in condition for cutting cooperation with such a knife, which results in minimum loss of time during shut-down, and is easily and economically performed.

A related object is to provide novel clipping apparatus including an anvil member featuring a construction which permits a proper anvil surface readily to be maintained opposite the knife.

According to this invention, an anvil member is contemplated for providing the anvil surface which preferably is substantially cylindrical in shape. Initially, one side of the member provides the anvil surface. After a series of cutting passes have been performed, with resulting wear in this side of the anvil member under the action of the knife, it is contemplated that the anvil surface be restored by rotation of the anvil member about its longitudinal axis, to place a new side thereof in a position facing the knife, which side then constitutes the anvil surface in the clipper.

Another object and feature of the invention is the provision of an elongated anvil member for a clipper which member has a length considerably exceeding the length of the knife in the clipper. A portion only of the anvil member is clamped in a position to provide an anvil surface for the knife, and the remainder of the member is stored, preferably in coiled form, adjacent one end of the knife. With such an organization, replacement of the anvil surface is readily performed by shifting the member length-wise, to move an expanse of the member which was formerly stored into a position opposite the knife, with this expanse then providing the surface which functions as the anvil surface.

A further and more specific object of the invention is to provide such an elongated anvil member which is cylindrical in shape, whereby changing of the anvil surface is facilitated both by rotating the anvil member to place another side portion thereof opposite the knife and also *by shifting it length-wise to replace an expanse of the anvil member opposite the knife with another expanse which formely was stored adjacent one end of the knife.

In a specific embodiment of the invention it is contemplated that an elongated piece of tubing be employed as the anvil member and that such be mounted with the length thereof clamped in place opposite the knife by means of opposed clamps. These are moved together to clamp the tubing in place, and while clamping the tubing the clamps may produce some deformation in the tubing. With the anvil member beneath the knife, the tubing has an exposed side which faces upwardly toward the knife. This side is clamped between edges in the clamps, and preferably protrudes upwardly beyond these edges a slight distance, somewhat above the bed line in the clipper. Some deformation may take place in the tubing when it is clamped, with the upper side thereof being squeezed between edges in the clamps. With such defor mation, stretching occurs producing some firming up of the tubing in the region of the member which is disposed between the clamp edges and faces the knife, this region forming the anvil surface. A region of the tubing opposite this first-mentioned region is supported on a rest in a slightly flattened condition. The clamping prevents the tubing where it extends opposite the knife from rotating in its mounting. On release of clamping pressure, the tubing assumes its original cylindrical shape, and can be advanced or rotated to replace the anvil surface.

These and other objects and advantages are attained by the invention, and the same is described hereinbelow in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a clipper in a perspective view, with such clipper incorporating an elongated cylindrical anvil member as contemplated by this invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1, illustrating details of a mounting for the anvil member and that portion thereof which is held opposite the knife to provide a backing for the material being cut;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1, showing clamps in the mounting moved apart, to permit repositioning of the anvil member and a change in that portion of the member which provides the anvil surface; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating portions of a modified form of clamps in a mounting for the anvil member.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 of the drawings, portions of a clipper are illustrated, indicated generally at 10. The clipper includes a knife 16 which is movable sharply down and up (by means not shown) to produce a cut in the web being processed, more specifically, a web of veneer. Disposed underneath the knife, and provided for the purpose of supporting the veneer web during the cuting operation, is an anvil assembly generally indicated at 18.

In the particular embodiments of the invention illustrated, a web of veneer moves into the clipper while being transported on elongated continuous conveyor belts 20. The end regions of the conveyor belts shown in FIG. 1 are trained over suitable pulleys, such as the one indicated at 22, which pulleys are mounted on a shaft 24. Serving to guide the veneer as it moves from the top runs of belts 20 onto the anvil assembly is an apron 26. Sheets of veneer after being out are transported away from the clipper on any suitable off-bearing conveyor apparatus. Any showing of such conveyor apparatus has been omitted from the drawings for reasons of simplicity, the specific details of the apparatus not being felt to form a part of this invention.

Considering now in more detail the construction of anvil assembly 18, shown at 30 and 29 are what are referred to heren as anvil clamps. Clamp 30 may be mounted in a stationary position on frame 34 of the clipper. Clamp 29, as will be described in more detail, is a relatively movable clamp, and is mounted for movement toward and away from clamp 30.

Clamp 30 in the embodiment illustrated comprises a beam 31 which is secured to the frame of the clipper. Apron 26 discussed above is fastend to this beam with an edge thereof residing in shelf 31a extending along the top left margin of the beam in FIG. 3. An elongated clamp portion 32, which typically may be made of metal, is fastened to the upper right hand margin of the beam in FIG. 2, in any suitable manner. An elongated channel of V-shaped cross section, and defined by surfaces 32a, 32b, extends along the length of clamp portion 32, in that side thereof which faces clamp 32. Designated at 32c is what is referred to herein as a clamp edge. Surface 31b of the beam and surface 32d of clamp portion 32 may be substantially flush, and define in the cutting region of the clipper what is referred to herein as the bed line of the machine.

Anvil clamp 29, like clamp 30 includes a beam which is designated at 35 and a clamp porton 36. Studs 38 fastened to beam 31 and extending through accommodating bores 39 in beam 35 mount clamp 32 on anvil clamp 30, with the clamp being movable toward and away from clamp 30. Biasing beam 35 of clamp 32 against beam 31 of clamp 30 are coiled compression springs 40 which encircle studs 38 and are held in place by retainers 42.

Clamp portion 36, which also may be made of metal, is secured in place along the upper life margin of beam 35 in FIGS. 2 and 3. The clamp portion includes a surface 360: opposite surface 32a but sloping away from it progressing downwardly. Along its top the clamp is defined by a surface 36b which may lie substantially in the bed line of the machine. A clamp edge for the clamp portion is shown at 360.

As earlier discussed, this invention contemplates an elongated anvil member of 'elastomeric material for providing the anvil surface during operation of the clipper, which member has a cylindrical shape. In the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated, this member, shown at 46, comprises an elongated piece of tubing which may resemble the usual surgical tubing, and is made of relatively stiff, flexible and resilient elastomeric material. The usual surgical tubing is approximately inch in diameter, and contains a central bore of approximately inch diameter, and such a construction has been found to be entirely satisfactory for member 46.

A length for the anvil member is contemplated which substantially exceeds the length of the knife. Thus, while a knife typically may have a length of ten feet or so, the

anvil member may be some feet in length. It is contemplated that a portion only of the length of the anvil member extend across the clipper between the anvil clamps, while cutting is taking place. Remainder portions may be stored adjacent one end of the knife, as on a drum 48, with such remainder portions contained on the drum in the form of coiled windings. The drum is rotatably mounted on the frame of a clipper through shaft 50 connected to a handle 51, and accommodates paying out of an expanse of member 46 contained thereon in coils when such is desired. By including such extra length in the anvil member, the portion of the member which extends as a reach between the anvil clamps can be replaced by a new portion, with this new portion then providing the anvil surface in the clipper.

If desired, portions of the anvil member on the opposite side of the clipper may be collected on a drum, such as the drum shown at 52. This drum is also mounted for rotation through a shaft, such as shaft 54 connected to a handle 55.

Springs 40 bias anvil clamp 32 toward clamp 30 with clamping of anvil member 46 where such extends as an expanse or reach between the two clamps. This clamping of the member produces deformation therein, with the upper side region thereof which is located between edges 32c and 32d being squeezed so as to form a slight ridge extending above these edges and above the bed line of the clipper. With such deformation and because of stretching of the outer surface of this region, there is some firming up of the consistency of the material in the anvil member, in that region of the anvil member which faces the knife. The region of the anvil member which is directly opposite this upper region is flattened out somewhat where it extends over bottom rest surface 32b. Further, side regions of the anvil member contacting surfaces 320 and 36a are flattened out to some extent. With this shaping of the anvil member the reach which extends between the clamps is firmly held from rotating in its mounting. Movement of the anvil clamps away from each other relaxes this reach of the anvil member, enabling it to resume its original substantially cylindrical shape.

The anvil clamps are separated by actuation of fluidoperated motors 56. Each of these includes a cylinder portion 58, which is mounted through threaded region 60 in anvil clamp 32. At 62 is indicated an extensible end for the fluid motor, which upon introduction of fluid under pressure to the motor extends from cylinder 58 to press against anvil clamp 30. Fluid under pressure is supplied to the various fluid motors through supply lines 64 and header 66. Contraction of the motors results when fluid under pressure is enabled to escape from the motors through the supply lines, and under the biasing of springs 40 tending to urge the anvil clamps together.

With the anvil clamps separated, as shown in FIG. 3, the gap existing between edges 32c, 36c along the tops of the clamp portions increases to permit, if desired, the removal of the anvil member from between the clamp portions, or shifting of the anvil member length-wise while such still resides between the clamp portions.

Explaining now how the apparatus may be utilized in the cutting of veneer or other web material, initially the anvil member is mounted with an expanse or reach thereof extending between the anvil clamps and with remainder portions of the member stored as coiled windings on one or both of the drums. The reach which extends between the anvil clamps is deformed as described by bringing the anvil clamps together to the clamping position shown for the clamps in FIG. 2. A series of cutting passes may be then made with the clipper knife, with the top of this expanse or reach providing the required anvil surface.

After wearing away or erosion of the top surface region of the anvil member which faces the knife, either by the action of the knife or as the result of the friction developed by sliding of material over the anvil member,

the anvil clamps may be moved apart to relax the clamping pressure exerted on member 46. The anvil surface may then be restored through first shifting the anvil member length-wise, by paying it out from one of the drums and winding up that portion of the member which formerly was between the clamps on the opposite drum, and then reinstating clamping pressure in clamps 30, 29, which has the effect of placing a new region in a stressed connection between clamp edges 32c, 360. This process may then be repeated, until the entire length of the anvil member has been utilized.

The anvil member may then be used again, by moving it back in the opposite direction between the anvil clamps, in increments, and by rotating the expanse of the member which is lodged between the clamps about the longitudinal axis of the member to place a different side region between edges 320, 36c. Further use of the member may take place in this manner until all sides throughout the length of the member have been worn away.

Alternatively, it is possible to rotate the expanse of anvil member which is located between the clamps to restore the anvil surface before end-wise shifting of the anvil member. It may be desirable in shifting the anvil member endwise to replace on each shifting of the member a part only of the expanse lying opposite the knife. This might be the preferred way of restoring the anvil surface in applications where wear is not uniform across the entire expanse which lies opposite the knife.

Referring now to FIG. 4 which illustrates a modified form of mounting for the anvil member, in this instance the anvil clamps, again designated by the reference numerals 30, 29, are forced towards each other to clamp onto a reach of the anvil member disposed between the clamps by a fluid motor, more specifically an air-operated ram shown at 80. This ram has the cylinder end thereof pivotally mounted on a bracket 82 which is joined to the frame of the clipper. The rod end of the ram is pivotally connected at 84 to a linking bar 86. Shown at 88, 90, and 92 are three jaw locks, each of which includes a rotatable member, such a member 88a, journaled for rotation about a member 88b which is secured to anvil clamp 30. Member 88a has an inner cam surface 88d which bears against a cam surface 880 of a member 88e fastened to clamp 32. With counterclockwise swinging of member 88a in FIG. 4, the action of the cooperating cam surfaces is such as to force clamp 29 to the right and against clamp 30 with clamping together of any anvil member between the clamps.

The arms for the various jaw locks are interconnected by linking bar 86 through pivot connections, such as the one shown at 94, which join each arm to the linking bar. In this way, on extension of the ram, the various arms are rotated in unison to cause movement of clamp 29 along its entire length toward clamp 30. Springs are provided which urge the clamps apart upon release of jaw locks 88, 90, 92. These may be mounted internally within clamp 32. One of such springs is illustrated in dotted outline in FIG. 4 at 96.

Other materials might be employed for the anvil member other than the specific material earlier described. For instance, a relatively hard rubber member might be used, or in some instances a cord or other member of like construction. The material selected will depend upon the cutting application intended for the anvil member.

While the anvil clamps have been described as moved through actuation of fluid motor means, which has advantages, mechanical systems could be employed featuring levers and earns.

It should be obvious from the above that a novel apparatus and process is contemplated having a number of desirable features. Certain variations may well suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover all modifications of the invention such as would be obvious to those skilled in the art and that come within the scope of the appended claims.

It is claimed and desired to secure by Letters Patent:

1. In the clipping of sheets using a knife moving against an anvil surface, the method of maintaining an anvil surface in condition for cutting cooperation with the knife 5 comprising providing an elongated anvil member for the clipper of greater length than the knife,

placing a portion only of the length of the anvil member in operative position opposite the knife and per forming a series of cutting passes with this portion of 10 the anvil member providing the anvil surface, and

then changing the anvil surface by repositioning the anvil member through moving it length-wise to place another portion of the member in operative position opposite the knife with this portion then providing the anvil surface on a subsequent series of cutting passes being performed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the anvil member is additionally rotated about its longitudinal axis between successive series of cutting passes to place a different side of the member in operative position opposite the knife, with this different side then providing an anvil surface.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein a length of the anvil member is stored in windings adjacent one end of the knife during a series of cutting passes, :and a portion of this length of the member is payed out from said windings to extend out as a reach lying opposite the knife when changing the anvil surface by repositioning the anvil member. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein after changing the anvil surface by paying out a portion of the length of the member, the anvil member is rotated about its longitudinal axis between successive series of cutting passes, to place a different side of the member in operative position opposite the knife, with this different side then providing an anvil surface.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the portion of the anvil member which is placed in operative position opposite the knife is clamped in place to hold .it when performing a series of cutting passes with such portion providing an anvil surface, and the anvil surface is changed after relaxing the clamping pressure on such portion of the anvil member, and after repositioning of the anvil member said other portion of the member is similarly clamped in F place.

6. In a clipper having a knife, an anvil assembly for coaction with the knife to produce a cut comprising an elongated anvil member of elastomeric material having at least twice the length of the knife, and

a mounting for said anvil member adjustable between clamp and release positions and in a clamping position operable to clamp onto a portion only of the length of the anvil member which portion has a length substantially equal to the length of the knife and is held with a side thereof exposed to and facing the knife.

7. The clipper of claim 6 which further includes means adjacent one end of the knife for holding portions of the anvil member outside of said mounting with said portions coiled in windings.

8. In a clipper having a knife, an anvil assembly for coaction with the knife to produce a cut comprising an elongated substantially cylindrical anvil member of elastomeric material; and a mounting for said anvil member adjustable between clamping and release positions and operable in a clamping position to clamp onto the member firmly with one side of the anvil member exposed to and positioned opposite the knife; said mounting comprising elongated opposed anvil clamps with opposed edges which, with the mounting in its clamping position, define an elongated gap of less width than the diameter of the anvil member which faces the knife and exposes said one side of the anvil member to the knife; said mounting for the anvil member including an elongated surface portion forming a bottom rest for the anvil member with the 7 8 mounting in its clamping position; the anvil member being 2,054,077 9/ 1936 Glass 83547 X deformed from its cylindrical shape with the mounting 2 2 1 377 5 1942 Green 33 5 in its Clamping pOSitiOn t0 3, Shape includes a. flat- 2 Miller X tened side positioned on said rest disposed opposite said one side of the anvil member which is exposed through 5 FOREIGN PATENTS said gap.

References Cited 24,752 12/1895 Great Britain.

UNITED STATES PATENTS 954,679 4/ 1912 Kaufman 83 659 WILLIAM S. LAWSON, Primary Examiner.

1,676,260 7/1928 Glidden 83-659 X 10 

